Barbecue to kick off insect project
The Sawtooth National Forest and Pesticide Action Network of Blaine County are launching a biological weed-control project on the Harriman Trail this summer. The public can attend a Bug Release Barbecue to learn about the use of insects to control spotted knapweed and other noxious weeds. Spotted knapweed, one of the most common species of knapweeds in Blaine County, is found in dense populations along the Harriman Trail north of Ketchum.
The groups are cooperating in the purchase and release of two types of insects that will be used to control the knapweed. Both of the insects are weevils that weaken and destroy the plant by eating specific parts of the weeds, including the roots and flowers. They will host a barbecue and educational event at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Sawtooth National Recreation headquarters north of Ketchum.
The project includes two separate bug releases. The release on July 17 will focus on the flower weevil, Larinus minutus. Later in the season, on Aug. 14, the group will release the root weevil, Cyphocleonus achates.
Animal Shelter gets another donation
Each quarter, Wood River valley-based Redfish Technology designates a community organization to receive funds from the “One for One” Community Service Initiative program. This quarter, the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley is again the chosen beneficiary.
This quarter’s award is for $900, making a total donation of $2,500 this year from Redfish.
“It means so much to the shelter to have the support of the community and local businesses,” said Animal Shelter Executive Director Jo-Anne Dixon.
Redfish Technology’s “One for One” Community Service program includes volunteer time by individuals as well as pooled funds that are designated to the community organization by the top producer of the quarter. In recent months, Redfish recruiters have volunteered their time to the Sawtooth United Football Club, the Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, the Idaho Steelheads Youth Hockey, Rhode Island Vegan Awareness and the Papoose Club.
Democrats to host summer tour
The Blaine County Democrats will host the Idaho Dems Summer Activist Tour from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Community Campus in Hailey. The gathering is open to the public.
The Idaho Democratic Party is traveling Idaho to meet and welcome supporters and introduce the caucuses. To RSVP, visit the Blaine County Democrats on Facebook or call 309-0350.
BCRD seeks new board member
After seven years as a Blaine County Recreation District board member, Mark Gilbreath will be resigning on July 31 to commit more time to his family and his professional pursuits as CEO and founder of the company LiquidSpace.
Gilbreath has served on the BCRD board since July 2006, representing District 3, an area that includes the north part of the valley including the cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley.
“I have the highest regard for the team at the BCRD and the valuable work of the organization in the community,” he said. “I value greatly my time serving on the board and will remain a fervent supporter and contributor going forward.”
The BCRD will look to appoint a replacement for Gilbreath in the coming month. It is an unpaid position. Anyone interested in serving on the board representing District 3— generally all of Blaine County north of East Fork Road—can contact Joan Kino at the district office for more information on the exact district boundaries, required qualifications, and associated time commitments. Interested candidates must reside within District 3 and are asked to submit their formal interest in the position to Joan Kino, Blaine County Recreation District, 1050 Fox Acres Road, Hailey, Idaho, 83333.
The deadline for nominations and applications is July 22. For more information, contact Kino 578-2273 or jkino@bcrd.org.
BCRD brings Miles of Smiles
For the fifth year in a row, valley residents Brian Ross and Susan Reinstein and the Specialized Dealer Grant Program made the BCRD’s “Miles of Smiles” bike giveaway program a reality. This program is based on the idea that every child deserves a bicycle.
In cooperation with Blaine County School District social workers, the program brought 20 bicycles to local kids who wouldn’t otherwise have one. The new bicycles provide the children with transportation, exercise, and an avenue to learn responsibility and safety.
For more information about the “Miles of Smiles” bike giveaway program, call Megan Stevenson at 578-5459.
